GSO Dual Speed Crayford Focuser Upgrade Kit

Product Info

Manufacturer Description

Convert your single speed GSO Crayford focuser into a dual speed focuser. Kit includes microfocuser unit, 2mm allen key and M4 scew. You will need a Philips (cross-head) screwdriver that is not included.

Note that your single speed focuser must have a tapped set screw on the underside between the two silver Tension and Focus Lock thumbscrews. Some single speed focusers do not have this extra screw hole between the two silver screws, and you will not be able to upgrade those models. Most, but not all, single speed focusers from GSO have this screw. However, please check this on you focuser before you order this kit.

This kit will work with focusers on telescopes made by GSO for Meade Lightbridge, Hardin Optical, DSO, Antares, Zhumell, etc. It will not work with William Optics focusers or any other non-GSO focuser.

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Review by Jim J.

1547094958

Jan 9, 2019

5.0Cool item!

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I've been wanting this upgrade for a while now. Installation is easy enough. Had a small amount of trouble initially getting this to operate smoothly. The dual speed kit started working flawlessly after exercising the mechanism a bit.

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5.0Modified my omni XLT150 to dual speed using this

Since my Omni XLT150 crayford focuser is only single speed I ordered this and somehow managed to do some simple mods to make it work. The result was a fine and smooth focusing action.

Since the stock focuser is made by Synta the first thing I did was to design and 3d print a replacement plastic that is used to hold the focuser and prevents it from turning.

I've asked Agena a question before buying and I was told the shaft is about 5mm, but when it arrived I measured it and it is about 4.2mm in diameter, the stock shaft on my scope is 4mm. This means I could not use the stock knob for the other end, so it's back to the 3d printer and printed out a replica of the GSO 1x knob.

Now my scope is equipped with dual speed focuser and very happy with it!!

5.0Good Upgrade

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Review by Chuck C.

1509799049

Nov 4, 2017

5.0GSO focuser upgrade kit

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Withing days of adding the kit to my wish list the product became available. Once ordered to item was received in a timely manner. I added the kit to my Celestron Onyx 80mm apo easily. I had to change out the mounting screw for proper fit put this was easily replaced by a trip to the local hardware store. I added the GSO replacement knob on the other end of the shaft and now I have a two speed focuser on the scope. This certainly aids in obtaining critical focus for my astrophotography. Thanks Agena/GSO for a great product.

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Review by Jon I.

1491414451

Apr 5, 2017

5.0Worthwhile Upgrade

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Over the years I have owned a number of the GSO two speed focusers and am quite familiar with them. I recently purchased a 80mm apo with a GSO focuser. However the two speed micro focuser was not working properly, very rough. I set the scope up with as a single speed but finally decided to bite the bullet and just spend the $60 for the upgrade/replacement two speed.

It was an easy install. Granted this is not the first time I have done it but GSO focusers are very simple and there are no complicated adjustments, it's out with the old and in with the new..

I am very glad I decided to upgrade to the two speed. It made the focusing much easier, it's smooth and light.. Last night I was viewing Mercury at 240x at about 10 degrees above the horizon. Despite the wavering image, I was able to get a good focus, dial it in.

I will add this note: Technically, this will not fit a focuser without the proper screw hole to secure it but it can be made to work. It can require sacrificing the focuser lock screw, something I never use and maybe a drop of crazy glue. I have also modified the GSO two microfocuser unit to fit other focusers.

Bottom line, in a faster scope, a two speed is a big help.. This one does the job.

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Review by Norm of Sudbury, ON.

1444435200

Oct 9, 2015

5.0Focuser upgrade simple and effective

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Very simple to install. You CAN use this with a focuser that does not have a previously drilled and tapped setscrew! The whole mechanism is held in place quite nicely and functions well without it. I thought I might have to drill and tap and put in this screw, based on the information provided, but in practice it is not necessary. I saw this in a post on CloudyNights and thought I would just order it and see if it would work and if not, do the above fix, but it has proven to be not necessary. The dual speed action is great--the fine focus works well even with my heaviest eyepieces (PanOptic 35mm 2 inch, Ethos 13mm) even with these and a 2" Barlow. First rate addition to my vintage LB 12"

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Review by Obin Robinson of League City, TX.

1386547200

Dec 8, 2013

5.0Well worth the cost!

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Accurate

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I had a single speed GSO Newtonian focuser which was good but not accurate enough for astrophotography. This upgrade was super simple to install and makes a very big difference. If you are interested in accurate focusing this upgrade is a no-brainer. You will immediately notice how much easier it is to get a rock solid and accurate focus.

5.0Does exactly what I wanted it to do...

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Easy to Use,Lightweight

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Really good product. I wanted a fine focus for my dob to tease out that extra bit of detail. It provided me with exactly that. Without the need to buy a far more expensive focuser which would be wasted on me (being a casual observer and relative newcomer to the astronomy game).

It's easily attached to your existing focuser and is quite light, so it won't come with any weight balancing concerns.

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Review by DougM of Philadelphia,PA.

1325289600

Dec 30, 2011

5.0Welcome upgrade!

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Got this for my Apogee Orthostar, an 80mm apo, and NOT a GSO-made refractor body.....Long Perng. All I had to do was drill out one of the existing focuser knobs to fit onto the new shaft. Easy to drill and tap a new hole for the retaining screw. Great to have the little resistance this focuser ads. Now I have the precision this f/6 scope needed....great buy!

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Review by Starchaser of Waseca, Minnesota.

1306713600

May 29, 2011

4.0Worth every penny!!

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Easy install

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After reading the instructions thru online a couple of times, I took the plunge. I made the purchase. I removed the focuser from my Lightbridge, and removed the focuser finger knob, and slid the shaft out of the focuser. Piece of cake. Putting in the fine-focus conversion was simply just a reverse operation. The only problem I had was an overly-snug fit on the piece that fits over the shaft and then screws onto the focuser. Using firm pressure to align the holes, I reattached the screw, remounted the focuser on the telescope, and was done. Total of abot 15 minutes. It's made quite a difference in my lunar and planetary viewing. I recommend this product without reservation. If it weren't for that overly-tight fit, I'd give it 5 Gold Stars.

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Review by Dimitris of Athens, Greece.

1257724800

Nov 8, 2009

2.0Clicking all the way.......

Pros:

Strong Construction

Cons:

Heavy

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Quality of the product is not satisfactory. Instead of turning smoothly it clicks on the 1/1 turning wheel, producing annoying vibrations.
Inspection of interiors showed rough surfaces on the brass bearing nests which had to be sand- papered away, and medium quality ball bearings